At the roundtable Improving Regional Cooperation 2.0: Montenegro and CEFTA – Eight Months After Signing, experts assessed the CEFTA agreements and the Common Regional Market (CRM) as vital components of regional cooperation and Montenegro’s reform agenda.
Jadranka Kaluđerović, Executive Director of the Institute for Strategic Studies and Projections (ISSP), emphasized the importance of institutional transparency, public dialogue, and civil society inclusion in all phases of implementation. She also called for stronger inter-institutional coordination.
The event in Podgorica was one of six held across SEE6 capitals from May 21–29, aimed at evaluating progress on CEFTA implementation and supporting regional integration within the CRM and Berlin Process framework.
Sara Pilbeam, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Podgorica, reiterated the UK’s support for Western Balkan stability through deeper economic integration and full implementation of CEFTA and CRM measures.
Panelists, including representatives from CEFTA, Montenegro’s Customs Administration, and civil society, highlighted achievements to date but noted persistent challenges such as fragmented institutional responsibilities and the need for better coordination across ministries.
